Topic 4: Producing Variation

mutations

rare, random change in genetic information. Needs to be in the gametes to get passed to the offspring

isolation

anything that prevents 2 groups within a species from interbreeding

geographic isolation

natural barrier such as mountain, river, or lava flow

reproductive isolation

loss of ability to interbreed. Differences in courtship behavior, times or mating or structural

species

group of organisms that share characteristics , can mate and produce fertile offspring.

adaptive radiation

one species evolves into a number of different species each occupying a new niche (role)

convergent evolution

organisms that are not closely related may develop similar adaptations and start to look like each other because of similar niches. Ex. koalas and bears

coevolution

two or more species evolve in response to each other through cooperative or competitive interactions. Ex. pollinators and flowers or predators and prey

What happens when there is no variation and changing enviroment?

They become endangered or extinct.

What happens when there is variation and a changing environment?

evolution